In the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Europe has received over six million refugees, constituting the largest wave of Ukrainian emigration in recent European history. These refugees, joining established diaspora communities, have mobilised rapidly, not only to ensure their own survival but also to engage in humanitarian work, civic activism, and entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at supporting those who remain in Ukraine.

While emerging scholarship has begun to recognise this activism, significant gaps remain in understanding how national contexts across Europe shape these responses. European support for Ukraine has been commendable, yet its forms vary considerably, influenced by each country’s unique opportunities and constraints.

Drawing on original research, interviews with policymakers, and participation in workshops organised by The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Warwick University and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (2023-2025), this seminar will provide comparative insights from six European countries: Germany, Poland, Czechia, the UK, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria.

The presentation will build on literature concerning transnational social movements and diaspora-specific frameworks, particularly those addressing ties to contested statehood. Professor Maria Koinova will also examine how a confluence of factors has enabled activism to evolve beyond immediate humanitarian needs, expanding into broader efforts that support diverse initiatives within Ukraine focused on recovery and long-term resilience.